Parallel ISA 41:0

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UTN uW Translation Notes:

Introduction to Isaiah 41

Structure and Formatting

This chapter consists of a single poetic oracle that has several parts. It describes a court proceeding between Yahweh and the idols of the nations. The Judean exiles were tempted to depend on those idols because they believed that their own God had either abandoned them or could do nothing to help them. In this oracle, Yahweh reclaims the loyalty of those who should be trusting him. He demonstrates that the gods that idols represent do not exist, while he alone has the knowledge to declare what will happen and the power to make it happen. 1. Yahweh summons the nations to court (1) 2. Yahweh is the true God because only he predicted what is now happening (2–4) 3. The nations join together to make idols they hope will deliver them (5–7) 4. Yahweh encourages the Israelites not to fear (8–20) 5. Yahweh challenges the idols to respond, but they say and do nothing (21–24) 6. Yahweh makes his closing argument (25–29)